As I said in yesterday’s post, Torrontés is a kind of “best of both worlds” between Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. The smells are both fruit driven and also there’s a flowery (I can never get used to describing things as flowery, but it does, so there we go!) element there too. The body (consistency in the mouth) is usually medium, as is the acidity. It’s those last two elements I think that make it very difficult to not like it. It stays away from the extremes either way.
The problem with generalizing the taste is that you’re really generalizing Argentina, and it’s vineyards. Which, as with most wine growing countries, isn’t really possible. It’s probably easier to go with the wines I’ve picked and then just go from there…
From Spirited Wines, I went for the Michel Torino Cuma, which is an organically produced Torrontés from the Cafayate Valley in the Salta Province. Means absolutely nothing to you? Give me a sec, eh?
Salta Province
The most northerly wine province in Argentina, right up in the Andes
Cafayate Valley
These vineyards are anywhere between 2km and 3km above sea level, which make them the highest in the world
What to expect?
Lots of concentrated flavour from the grapes growing in a high and cool climate, with plenty of sunshine
From Majestic I’ve gone for the Viñalba Selección Torrontés from Lujan de Cuyo in the Mendoza Province:
Mendoza Province
Further south, this province dominates Argentinian wine making, in what would normally be a dustbowl desert
Lujan de Cuyo
Still pretty high at 1km above sea level, better known for its Malbecs
What to expect?
Slightly less body and concentration, but only slightly
From Morrison’s I went for the Finga La Cella, La Consulta Reserva Torrontés from La Rioja Province
La Rioja Province
Don’t get it confused with Rioja in Spain, usually used for bulk made export wines
What to expect?
The Reserva makes me think it might be a tad oaked, so probably expect it to be slightly bigger bodied, but still plenty fruity and flowery
Did that help at all? Well it’s helped me, so there’s a start!
Cheers
Other posts in NWTW Week 5:
#NWTW Week 5: Argentinian Torrontés (includes voting poll)
#NWTW Week 5: Argentinian Torrontés (Part Two)
